Azalea Fest economic impact estimated at $50 million
The Azalea Fest is a fun weekend in the spring time located in downtown Wilmington, NC.
Local businesses and residents have long known that the North Carolina Azalea Festival has a big impact on the Wilmington area’s economy. Now, thanks to a study by faculty members at UNCW, they can put a dollar figure on it.
According to a report issued Monday evening, the event has a $50 million impact. Spending by festival attendees totaled more than $48 million. The festival organizers spent about $1.6 million, and the value of the more than 15,000 volunteer hours was estimated at $438,000.
Hall developed the model used to analyze the data collected; Meinhold led the analysis and extrapolation.
Included in the study results:
• 53 percent of those surveyed attended one event; 47 percent attended two or more events
• 97 percent of attendees lived in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties; the other 7 percent were “overnight visitors”
• Average local household spending was 47 percent; average overnight visitor spending was $625.
• By far, the best-attended event was the street fair. The second most-attended event was the circus (for area residents) and the parade (for overnight visitors);
• Local attendees spent most of their money on food and entertainment; overnight visitors’ money went mostly for accommodations and retail/souvenir purchases.
For more info follow this link!
http://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/industry_news_details.php?id=2938